JCU secures grant to improve bowel cancer screening

James Cook University’s Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health, (CQCRRH)  Emerald has been awarded nearly a million dollars to help improve bowel cancer screening in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Central Queensland.

Professor Sabina Knight AM, CQCRRH’s Director, said the $990,772 in funding from Cancer Australia will help in the battle against one of Australia’s deadliest yet most preventable cancers.

“There is disproportionately low bowel cancer screening rates in remote areas. This research aims to bridge the gap by fostering trust, enhancing healthcare collaboration and delivering sustainable solutions,” said Professor Knight.

Led by Associate Professor Kehinde Obamiro and Madeline Ford with Alinta Warner, Sandra Levers and Asmita Mudholkar from CQCRRH, the three-year project will co-design, implement, and evaluate culturally appropriate bowel cancer screening models in partnership with First Nations communities, services such as Bidgerdii Community Health Service and primary healthcare professionals.

“Having lost loved ones to bowel cancer, and knowing many other First Nations people who have been impacted by cancer, I look forward to working with the JCU team on this very special and meaningful project,” Bidgerdii CEO Marissa Smith said.

The study, supported by Cancer Australia’s Partnerships for Cancer Research Grant Program, will engage five Central Queensland communities to develop tailored solutions that address barriers to early detection and treatment.

The research team will utilise a collaborative approach that prioritises Indigenous knowledge and community-led healthcare strategies.

Professor Knight said the funding allows JCU to work hand-in-hand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and services.

“This means we can develop screening methods that are not only effective but also culturally safe and accessible. Improving early detection in rural and remote regions could save lives and reduce health disparities and I thank Cancer Australia for helping us in this critical work."